Governor Bill Richardson Applauds U.S. Senate Passage of Indian Health Care Improvement Act
Press Release
Governor Bill Richardson Applauds U.S. Senate Passage of Indian Health Care Improvement Act
Governor Bill Richardson today applauded the U.S. Senate's
reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. He urged members of the U.S. House of Representatives to follow suit.
"We've waited too long for passage of this vital legislation," Governor Bill Richardson said. "The federal government must act on their trust obligation to provide health services. We can't afford to wait anymore as we look to serve the health needs of New Mexico's citizens."
The Indian Health Care Improvement Act expired in 2000. The bill reauthorizes, improves and expands federal programs for health care delivery in American Indian communities for the next 10 years.
There are approximately 200,000 Native Americans in New Mexico, making up 10% of the state's population. This reauthorization is especially important to this state since services have been cut in recent years.
American Indians in New Mexico, and across the nation, experience the highest rates of cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In addition, New Mexico ranks second in the nation for the highest number of uninsured citizens. Native Americans are disproportionately uninsured - 28% versus 11% for non-Hispanic whites and 23% for Hispanics. Many Native Americans forego enrolling in health insurance because they believe they have direct access to health services, when in fact, these services have either eroded or are grossly under funded.
Governor Richardson has lobbied Congress to reauthorize IHCIA for years. In January, he sent a letter to congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urging them to take action.
"I am very pleased with the overwhelming support in the Senate that led to the passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. This action is long overdue and represents an important step toward ensuring the improved quality of health care services that American Indians and Alaska Natives deserve," Department of Indian Affairs Secretary Alvin Warren said. "I join Governor Richardson in urging the U.S. House of Representatives to act soon to approve S.1200 and President Bush to sign this historic bill into law."
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